Explaining Sustainable Agriculture - Term Paper Example

(Feenstra 530) The term ''sustainable agriculture'' (U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103) means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term: Satisfy human food and fiber needs. Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends. Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls.

Sustain the economic viability of farm operations. Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.(Hedburg 1) Therefore Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food healthy for consumers and animals, respects animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities. . Soil is protected by natural ways Soil is protected from erosion by cover crops and organic matter is continually used Conserve water and quality Water is polluted by dropping Aquifers also the agricultural chemicals degrade water supplies and threaten aquatic life Farming methods conserve water and soil moisture and protect surface and ground water from pollutants and sediment Managing Organic Wastes By using Industrial agriculture methodology large amounts of animal wastes are transferred from one place to another which increases the chances of spills and water pollution Animal wastes provide nutrients for growing crops without polluting the water Encourage biodiversity Monoculture is the norm: farms are plowed fence row to fence row, wild “unused” areas are put into production, only the most productive few crop varieties or livestock breeds are raised Diversity is the norm: of habitats, livestock, crops, wild plant and animal species, and of genetics within crop and livestock species Select plants and animals adapted to the environment farmers raise non-adapted crops also Genetic engineering narrows genetic diversity Farmers raise such animals and plants adapted to the existing environment also genetic diversity is preserved Conserve non-renewable resources Use of fossil fuels isencouraged Food production is centralized in a few regions Conservation of fossil fuels is encouraged and Renewable energy resources are used Food production is decentralized to encourage local, biodiverse, environmentally-adapted food systems which save fossil fuels Increase profitability and reduce risk farmers are pressurized to increase the size of their operations Short term profit is in focus farmers are